Pharmacological alterations of the activity of afferent fibers innervating hair cells

Immediate-Early Modifications to the Metabolomic Profile of the Perilymph Following an Acoustic Trauma in a Sheep Model

The pathophysiological mechanisms of noise-induced hearing loss remain unknown. Identifying biomarkers of noise-induced hearing loss may increase the understanding of pathophysiological mechanisms of deafness, allow for a more precise diagnosis, and inform personalized treatment. Emerging techniques such as metabolomics can help to identify these biomarkers. The objective of the present study was to investigate immediate-early changes in the perilymph metabolome following acoustic trauma. Metabolomic analysis was performed using liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrophotometry to analyze metabolic changes in perilymph associated with noise-induced hearing loss. Sheep (n = 6) were exposed to a noise designed to induce substantial hearing loss. Perilymph was collected before and after acoustic trauma. Data were analyzed using univariate analysis and a supervised multivariate analysis based on partial least squares discriminant analysis. A metabolomic analysis showed an abundance of 213 metabolites. Four metabolites were significantly changed following acoustic trauma (Urocanate (p = 0.004, FC = 0.48), S-(5’-Adenosyl)-L-Homocysteine (p = 0.06, FC = 2.32), Trigonelline (p = 0.06, FC = 0.46) and N-Acetyl-L-Leucine (p = 0.09, FC = 2.02)). The approach allowed for the identification of new metabolites and metabolic pathways involved with acoustic trauma that were associated with auditory impairment (nerve damage, mechanical destruction, and oxidative stress). The results suggest that metabolomics provides a powerful approach to characterize inner ear metabolites which may lead to identification of new therapies and therapeutic targets.

Auditory metabolomics, an approach to identify acute molecular effects of noise trauma

Animal-based studies have provided important insights into the structural and functional consequences of noise exposure on the cochlea. Yet, less is known about the molecular mechanisms by which noise induces cochlear damage, particularly at relatively low exposure levels. While there is ample evidence that noise exposure leads to changes in inner ear metabolism, the specific effects of noise exposure on the cochlear metabolome are poorly understood. In this study we applied liquid chromatography-coupled tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)-based metabolomics to analyze the effects of noise on the mouse inner ear. Mice were exposed to noise that induces temporary threshold shifts, synaptopathy and permanent hidden hearing loss. Inner ears were harvested immediately after exposure and analyzed by targeted metabolomics for the relative abundance of 220 metabolites across the major metabolic pathways in central carbon metabolism. We identified 40 metabolites differentially affected by noise. Our approach detected novel noise-modulated metabolites and pathways, as well as some already linked to noise exposure or cochlear function such as neurotransmission and oxidative stress. Furthermore, it showed that metabolic effects of noise on the inner ear depend on the intensity and duration of exposure. Collectively, our results illustrate that metabolomics provides a powerful approach for the characterization of inner ear metabolites affected by auditory trauma. This type of information could lead to the identification of drug targets and novel therapies for noise-induced hearing loss.

Regulation of Noise-Induced Loss of Serotonin Transporters with Resveratrol in a Rat Model Using 4-[18F]-ADAM/Small-Animal Positron Emission Tomography

Serotonin (5-HT) plays a crucial role in modulating the afferent fiber discharge rate in the inferior colliculus, auditory cortex, and other nuclei of the ascending auditory system. Resveratrol, a natural polyphenol phytoalexin, can inhibit serotonin transporters (SERT) to increase synaptic 5-HT levels. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol on noise-induced damage in the serotonergic system. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were anaesthetized and exposed to an 8-kHz tone at 116 dB for 3.5 h. Resveratrol (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneal injection [IP]) and citalopram (20 mg/kg, IP), a specific SERT inhibitor used as a positive control, were administered once a day for four consecutive days, with the first treatment occurring 2 days before noise exposure. Auditory brainstem response testing and positron emission tomography (PET) with N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-[¹⁸F]fluorophenylthio)benzylamine (4-[¹⁸F]-ADAM, a specific radioligand for SERT) were used to evaluate functionality of the auditory system and integrity of the serotonergic system, respectively, before and after noise exposure. Finally, immunohistochemistry was performed 1 day after the last PET scan. Our results indicate that noise-induced serotonergic fiber loss occurred in multiple brain regions including the midbrain, thalamus, hypothalamus, striatum, auditory cortex, and frontal cortex. This noise-induced damage to the serotonergic system was ameliorated in response to treatment with resveratrol and citalopram. However, noise exposure increased the hearing threshold in the rats regardless of drug treatment status. We conclude that resveratrol has protective effects against noise-induced loss of SERT.

Chronic reduction of endocochlear potential reduces auditory nerve activity: further confirmation of an animal model of metabolic presbyacusis

Gerbils aged in quiet show a decline of the endocochlear potential (EP) and elevated auditory nerve compound action potential (CAP) thresholds. However, establishing a direct relationship between an age-related reduction in the EP and changes in the activities of primary auditory neurons is difficult owing to the complexity of age-related histological changes in the cochlea. To address this issue, we developed a young gerbil model of "metabolic" presbyacusis that uses an osmotic pump to deliver furosemide into the round window niche for 7 days, resulting in a chronically reduced EP. In this model, the only major histopathologic changes were restricted to the hook region of the cochlea and consisted of loss of strial intermediate cells and massive edema in the lateral wall. The morphological and physiological evidence suggests that the cochlea can adapt to furosemide application over time. The morphology of spiral ganglion cells and hair cells appeared normal throughout the cochlea. CAP responses and EP values in this model are similar to those of quiet-aged ears. The spontaneous activity of single auditory fibers (n = 188) was assessed in 15 young gerbils treated with furosemide for 7 days. The percentage of recorded low-spontaneous rate (SR) fibers at characteristic frequencies (CFs) > or = 6 kHz was significantly lower in furosemide-treated than in control ears. Recovery function tests of CAP responses after prior stimulation also showed a decline in activity of the low-SR population with CFs > or = 6 kHz in the treated cochleas. A similar loss in the activity of low-SR fiber has been previously shown in quiet-aged gerbils. These results suggest that dysfunction of the cochlear lateral wall and subsequent chronic reduction in the EP can directly affect the activity patterns of primary auditory neurons in a manner similar to that seen in aged gerbils.

Carnosine and its possible roles in nutrition and health

The dipeptide carnosine has been observed to exert antiaging activity at cellular and whole animal levels. This review discusses the possible mechanisms by which carnosine may exert antiaging action and considers whether the dipeptide could be beneficial to humans. Carnosine's possible biological activities include scavenger of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS), chelator of zinc and copper ions, and antiglycating and anticross-linking activities. Carnosine's ability to react with deleterious aldehydes such as malondialdehyde, methylglyoxal, hydroxynonenal, and acetaldehyde may also contribute to its protective functions. Physiologically carnosine may help to suppress some secondary complications of diabetes, and the deleterious consequences of ischemic-reperfusion injury, most likely due to antioxidation and carbonyl-scavenging functions. Other, and much more speculative, possible functions of carnosine considered include transglutaminase inhibition, stimulation of proteolysis mediated via effects on proteasome activity or induction of protease and stress-protein gene expression, upregulation of corticosteroid synthesis, stimulation of protein repair, and effects on ADP-ribose metabolism associated with sirtuin and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) activities. Evidence for carnosine's possible protective action against secondary diabetic complications, neurodegeneration, cancer, and other age-related pathologies is briefly discussed.

Serotonin 2B receptor: Upregulated with age and hearing loss in mouse auditory system

Serotonin (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter. Serotonin may modulate afferent fiber discharges in the cochlea, inferior colliculus (IC) and auditory cortex. Specific functions of serotonin are exerted upon its interaction with specific receptors; one of those receptors is the serotonin 2B receptor. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences in gene expression of serotonin 2B receptors with age in cochlea and IC, and the possible correlation between gene expression and functional hearing measurements in CBA/CaJ mice. Immunohistochemical examinations of protein expression of IC in mice of different age groups were also performed. Gene expression results showed that serotonin 2B receptor gene was upregulated with age in both cochlea and IC. A significant correlation between gene expression and functional hearing results was established. Immunohistochemical protein expression studies of IC showed more serotonin 2B receptor cells in old mice relative to young adult mice, particularly in the external nucleus. We conclude that serotonin 2B receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of age-related hearing loss.

Functional role of GABAergic innervation of the cochlea: phenotypic analysis of mice lacking GABA(A) receptor subunits alpha 1, alpha 2, alpha 5, alpha 6, beta 2, beta 3, or delta

The olivocochlear efferent system is both cholinergic and GABAergic and innervates sensory cells and sensory neurons of the inner ear. Cholinergic effects on cochlear sensory cells are well characterized, both in vivo and in vitro; however, the robust GABAergic innervation is poorly understood. To explore the functional roles of GABA in the inner ear, we characterized the cochlear phenotype of seven mouse lines with targeted deletion of a GABA(A) receptor subunit (alpha1, alpha2, alpha5, alpha6, beta2, beta3, or delta). Four of the lines (alpha1, alpha2, alpha6, and delta) were normal: there was no cochlear histopathology, and cochlear responses suggested normal function of hair cells, afferent fibers, and efferent feedback. The other three lines (alpha5, beta2, and beta3) showed threshold elevations indicative of outer hair cell dysfunction. Alpha5 and beta2 lines also showed decreased effects of efferent bundle activation, associated with decreased density of efferent terminals on outer hair cells: although the onset of this degeneration was later in alpha5 (>6 weeks) than beta2 (<6 weeks), both lines shows normal efferent development (up to 3 weeks). Two lines (beta2 and beta3) showed signs of neuropathy, either decreased density of afferent innervation (beta3) or decreased neural responses without concomitant attenuation of hair cell responses (beta2). One of the lines (beta2) showed a clear sexual dimorphism in cochlear phenotype. Results suggest that the GABAergic component of the olivocochlear system contributes to the long-term maintenance of hair cells and neurons in the inner ear.

Extracts of retina and brain that excite afferent fibers innervating hair cells contain a compound related to hydroxyphenylglycine-N-carbamoyl

To identify new neurotransmitter and modulator candidates that might be important in transmission from sensory hair cells to afferent nerves, we examined extracts of neural tissue for compounds that excite afferent fibers innervating hair cells. Here, we describe the extraction and purification from retina and brain of a potent, unstable, excitatory compound with pharmacological activity similar to glutamate on afferent fibers innervating hair cells. This compound, however, was clearly distinguished from glutamate, other common amino acids, and known endogenous glutamate-receptor agonists. After derivatization and analysis by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, the major compound found in highly purified neuroactive chromatographic fractions had the same gas chromatographic elution time and mass spectrum as the compound formed by derivatization of L-p-hydroxyphenylglycine-N-carbamoyl. Hydroxyphenylglycine-N-carbamoyl, however, did not copurify with the neuroactive compound and was not neuroactive. We thus hypothesize that the detected compound was produced from a precursor, structurally related to L-p-hydroxyphenylglycine-N-carbamoyl, that was a major component of the neuroactive chromatographic fractions. Because several compounds related to hydroxyphenylglycine are known to act on glutamate receptors, such a compound is an interesting candidate to be an endogenous glutamate-receptor ligand in the mammalian nervous system.

Expression and distribution of μ opioid receptors in the inner ear of the rat

Opioid peptides have demonstrated modulatory effects on the vestibular afferent discharge and are putative vestibular efferent neuromodulators. The distribution of their receptors in the mammalian vestibular epithelia is not known. We used reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ hybridization, Western blots and immunohistochemistry to study the expression of mu opioid receptor (MOR) in the Scarpa's ganglia and cristae ampullares of rats. MOR transcript was only detected in the somata of the vestibular afferent neurons. MOR-like immunoreactivity was observed in the somata of vestibular afferents and in nerve terminals in the cristae ampullares epithelia both in the center and peripheral regions. Double labeling of cristae sections with the MOR1 antibody in combination with antibodies against calretinin (a marker for vestibular afferents terminating in calices) and peripherin (a marker for afferents terminating in boutons), respectively showed that MOR1 immunoreactivity was in calyx, dimorphic and bouton vestibular afferents. MOR immunoreactivity was not detected in vestibular efferent fibers identified with choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry. These results indicate that MOR may mediate effects of vestibular efferents on afferents.

Purine and pyrimidine nucleotide-sensitive phospholipase A(2) in ampulla from frog semicircular canal

This study was attempted to characterize pharmacologically the P2Y receptors triggering phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) activation in ampulla from frog semicircular canal. A microassay was developed to screen the abilities of UTP analogs to stimulate [(3)H]arachidonic acid release by labeled ampullas. At 26 degrees C UTP induced a dose-dependent and saturable increase of PLA(2) activity (apparent activation constant 1.3 +/- 0.4 microM, Hill coefficient 0.9 +/- 0.2, maximal stimulating factor 2.0 +/- 0.1). The rank order of potency of agonists for PLA(2) activation was UTP > or = UDP > adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) = adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) > or = ATP = 2-methylthio-ATP > or = ADP = diadenosine tetraphosphate > or = alpha,beta-methylene-ATP = CTP > 2' and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-ATP > or = AMP = UMP >> uridine and adenosine. UTP- and 2-methylthio-ATP-induced PLA(2) activations were inhibited by U-73122, GF-109203X, and methyl arachidonyl fluorophosphate. Basal activity was stimulated by phorbol ester and epinephrine and reduced by vasotocin, isoproterenol, prostaglandin E(2), cAMP, and forskolin. H-89 restored the cAMP- and forskolin-inhibited PLA(2) activities. Results indicate that P2Y receptor-mediated PLA(2) stimulation requires phopholipase C and protein kinase C activations and basal activity is inhibited by agonist-stimulated cAMP-dependent mechanisms.

Contribution of glutamate receptors to spontaneous and stimulus-evoked discharge in afferent fibers innervating hair cells of the Xenopus lateral line organ

The relative contributions of NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) and non-NMDA glutamate receptors to spontaneous and stimulus-evoked transmission at the hair cell/afferent fiber synapse were determined in the Xenopus laevis lateral line organ. The non-NMDA receptor antagonist, CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione), reversibly reduced both spontaneous and stimulus-evoked discharge rate with an EC(50) of 0.5 microM. NMDA receptor antagonism with the combination of chlorokynurenic acid (100 microM) and elevated magnesium (1.1 mM), or elevated magnesium alone, blocked responses to NMDA without significantly altering spontaneous or stimulus-evoked discharge rate or the responses to kainate. All non-NMDA receptor agonists tested increased discharge rate at low concentrations and, at higher concentrations, increased, then suppressed discharge rate. The EC(50)s were: domoic acid (2.4 mcM)<quisqualic acid (6 mcM)<kainic acid (18 mcM)<AMPA (82 mcM)<<glutamate (1150 mcM). NMDA and ibotenic acid also produced an increase in discharge followed by a suppression, but the suppressive phase of the response predominated and maximum increases in discharge rates were low compared to effects of the non-NMDA agonists. The EC(50)s were: NMDA (148 mcM)<ibotenic acid (463 mcM). The EC(50) for the suppression of afferent discharge that followed the initial excitatory effect was similar to the EC(50) for excitation. Perfusion with active concentrations of kainate, AMPA, or NMDA did not alter the threshold for electrical stimulation of these nerve fibers. We conclude that most of the postsynaptic signal normally seen in afferent fibers is mediated by non-NMDA receptors.

ATP-gated ion channel expression in primary auditory neurones

Extracellular ATP acts via ionotropic P2X receptors to mediate fast neurotransmission in the central and autonomic nervous systems. Recent data, including identification of P2X2 receptor mRNA expression by spiral ganglion neurones, suggests that purinergic signalling may influence auditory neurotransmission via ATP-gated ion channels assembled from these subunits. Expression of the P2X2 receptor was localized to the region of the spiral ganglion neurone synapses with the inner hair cells using a P2X2 receptor specific antiserum. Whole-cell patch clamping of neurones cultured from post-natal day 3-5 spiral ganglia demonstrated a heterogeneity of ATP-activated conductances, consistent with the functional expression of P2X2 receptor subunit isoforms along with possible co-expression of additional P2X receptor subunits. These data provide substantive support for a purinergic transmission element at the peripheral auditory synapse.

GABA- and glutamate-immunoreactivity in sensory ganglia of cat: a quantitative analysis

Several amino acids may function as neurotransmitters in the nervous system. The potential role of glutamate (Glu) and aspartate in excitatory responses was demonstrated and it was established that GABA and glycine act as inhibitory agents. The present study aimed at investigating the availability of Glu and GABA in certain feline sensory ganglia, i.e. the trigeminal (TrG), nodose and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). A significant part of the neurons were GABA-positive (19.5% to 23.5%). These were large-sized neurons as well as small- to medium-sized ones. The intensity of immunostaining varied from weak to strong. GABA-containing neuronal fibres were seen in the neuropil and some of them surrounded unstained ganglionic cells. The Glu-immunoreactive (IR) neuronal perikarya in all the investigated ganglia were 63.6% to 66.4%. The majority of positive cells were small- to medium-sized, but large primary sensory neurons were also seen. There was no difference between the intensity of the reaction in the primary sensory and small neurons. Glu-IR neuronal fibres were seen in close apposition to immunopositive as well as immunonegative neurons. In conclusion, in the TrG, nodose and DRG, GABA and glutamate are involved in neurotransmission. There is a significant number of GABAergic neurons in the investigated sensory ganglia of the cat. The difference in the expression of these amino acids suggests that they can act not only as neurotransmitters but also as modulators of sensory information.

Carnosine: its properties, functions and potential therapeutic applications

Carnosine and related dipeptides such as anserine are naturally-occurring histidine-containing compounds. They are found in several tissues most notably in muscle where they represent an appreciable fraction of the total water-soluble nitrogen-containing compounds. The biological role of these dipeptides are conjectural but they are believed to act as cytosolic buffering agents. Numerous studies have demonstrated, both at the tissue and organelle level, that they possess strong and specific antioxidant properties. Carnosine and related dipeptides have been shown to prevent peroxidation of model membrane systems leading to the suggestion that they represent water-soluble counterparts to lipid-soluble antioxidants such as alpha-tocopherol in protecting cell membranes from oxidative damage. Other roles ascribed to these dipeptides include actions as neurotransmitters, modulation of enzymic activities and chelation of heavy metals. Many claims have been made in respect of therapeutic actions of carnosine and histidine-containing dipeptides. These include antihypertensive effects, actions as immunomodulating agents, wound healing and antineoplastic effects. Many of these claims have not been convincingly documented nor subject to rigorous clinical evaluation. Nevertheless, there are examples where studies have shown considerable promise. One is the treatment of senile cataract in dogs and another is in acceleration of healing of surface wounds and burns to the skin. It is clear from this review that many of the effects of these histidine-containing dipeptides, especially in regard to claims for their therapeutic effects, need to be subjected to critical experimental and clinical examination. Several applications do, however, show clear evidence of being useful therapeutic agents.

Pharmacological characterization of ATP receptors in ampulla from frog semicircular canal

Phosphoinositidase C activities sensitive to purine and pyrimidine nucleotides have been identified earlier in ampulla from Rana ridibunda semicircular canal. The aim of this study was to characterize the pharmacological properties of other P2 receptors borne by this structure. A microassay was developed to measure the binding of [35S]adenosine 5'-O-(2-thiodiphosphate) ([35S]ADPbetaS) to a few ampullas microdissected from frog semicircular canals. When determined at 4 degrees C in the absence of divalent cations, [35S]ADPbetaS binding was saturable with incubation time and reversible after elimination of free radioligand. The dissociation kinetics were biphasic and comprised a major component that was rapidly reversible and a minor component that dissociated slowly. [35S]ADPbetaS binding was competitively inhibited by unlabeled ADPbetaS with an apparent dissociation constant of 0.48 +/- 0.09 microM and a Hill coefficient of 0.70 +/- 0.06, and Scatchard analysis revealed a minor class of high-affinity binding sites (RT1 = 52 +/- 11 fmol [35S]ADPbetaS bound/ampulla and Kd1 = 0.15 +/- 0.04 microM) and a major class of low-affinity binding sites (RT2 = 436 +/- 79 fmol [35S]ADPbetaS bound/ampulla and Kd2 = 2.0 +/- 0.8 microM). The pattern of stereospecificity for recognition of unlabeled structural ATP analogs was ADPbetaS >/= alpha, beta-methyleneadenosine 5'-triphosphate = ADP = adenosine 5'-O-(3-thiotriphosphate) > ATP = diadenosine tetraphosphate = AMP > 2'- and 3'-O-(4-benzoylbenzoyl)-adenosine 5'-triphosphate >/= 2-methylthioadenosine 5'-triphosphate > 2-desoxythymidine 5'-triphosphate = guanosine 5'-triphosphate = inosine-5'-triphosphate = xanthosine 5'-triphosphate = cytosine 5'-triphosphate = uridine 5'-triphosphate = uridine-5'-diphosphate, whereas cAMP and adenosine were devoid of activity. For antagonists, suramin revealed competitive inhibitor potencies, whereas reactive blue 2 and DIDS acted as pure noncompetitive inhibitors. Results suggest that the population of labeled receptors is heterogeneous and contains a low number of P2Y-like receptors and a large number of P2X-like receptors whose molecular subtypes and functions in endolymph homeostasis remain to be defined.

Changes in immunostaining of inner ears after antigen challenge into the scala tympani

To study the mechanisms of immune responses and immune injuries in inner ears, labyrinthitis was induced by inoculation of keyhole limpet hemocyanin (KLH) into the scala tympani of systemically sensitized guinea pigs. Inner ears were then immunostained for KLH, immunoglobulin G (IgG), albumin, connexin26 (Cx26), and sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphate (Na,K-ATPase). Inflammatory cells containing KLH were observed in the scala tympani and in the collecting venule of the spiral modiolar vein (SMV). Spiral ligament, spiral limbus, and blood vessels including the SMV were diffusely positive for IgG and albumin. Immunoreactivity for Cx26 and Na,K-ATPase was decreased compared with the normal ears in the fibrocytes of the spiral ligament. These results suggest that inflammatory cells and blood constituents could extravasate into the cochlea from blood vessels and that fibrocyte damage in the spiral ligament could cause cochlear dysfunction.

Extracellular nucleotide signaling in the inner ear

Extracellular nucleotides, particularly adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP), act as signaling molecules in the inner ear. Roles as neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and as autocrine or paracrine humoral factors are evident. The diversity of the signaling pathways for nucleotides, which include a variety of ATP-gated ion channels (assembled from different subtypes of P2X-receptor subunit) and also different subtypes of G protein-coupled nucleotide receptors (P2Y receptors) supports a major physiological role for ATP in the regulation of hearing and balance. Almost invariably both P2X and P2Y receptor expression is apparent in the complex tissue structures associated with the inner-ear labyrinth. However P2X-receptor expression, commonly associated with fast neurotransmission, is apparent not only with the cochlear and vestibular primary afferent neurons, but also appears to mediate humoral signaling via ATP-gated ion channel localization to the endolymphatic surface of the cochlear sensory epithelium (organ of Corti). This is the site of the sound-transduction process and recent data, including both electrophysiological, imaging, and immunocytochemistry, has shown that the ATP-gated ion channels are colocalized here with the mechano-electrical transduction channels of the cochlear hair cells. In contrast to this direct action of extracellular ATP on the sound-transduction process, an indirect effect is apparent via P2Y-receptor expression, prevalent on the marginal cells of the stria vascularis, a tissue that generates the standing ionic and electrical gradients across the cochlear partition. The site of generation of these gradients, including the dark-cell epithelium of the vestibular labyrinth, may be under autocrine or paracrine regulation mediated by P2Y receptors sensitive to both purines (ATP) and pyrimidines such as UTP. There is also emerging evidence that the nucleoside adenosine, formed as a breakdown product of ATP by the action of ectonucleotidases and acting via P1 receptors, is also physiologically significant in the inner ear. P1-receptor expression (including A1, A2, and A3 subtypes) appear to have roles associated with stress, acting alongside P2Y receptors to enhance cochlear blood flow and to protect against the action of free radicals and to modulate the activity of membrane conductances. Given the positioning of a diverse range of purinergic-signaling pathways within the inner ear, elevations of nucleotides and nucleosides are clearly positioned to affect hearing and balance. Recent data clearly supports endogenous ATP- and adenosine-mediated changes in sensory transduction via a regulation of the electrochemical gradients in the cochlea, alterations in the active and passive mechanical properties of the cells of the sensory epithelium, effects on primary afferent neurons, and control of the blood supply. The field now awaits conclusive evidence linking a physiologically-induced modulation of extracellular nucleotide and nucleoside levels to altered inner ear function.

GABAergic neurotransmission in rat taste buds: immunocytochemical study for GABA and GABA transporter subtypes

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is known to be a candidate for the neurotransmitter involved in the sense of taste. We hereby studied GABA and its termination system, GABA transporters, in rat taste buds by immunocytochemical approaches. Immunoblot analysis of three GABA transporter subtypes (GAT1, GAT2 and GAT3) revealed that the immunoreactive bands of GAT2 and GAT3, but not GAT1, were detected in the tongue. GAT3-immunoreactive band was recognized only in the circumvallate papilla containing a large number of taste buds while GAT2-immunoreactive bands were seen in all areas of the tongue. GAT2 immunoreactivity appeared to be specifically in the nerve fibers beneath the lingual epithelium. Both GAT3 and GABA immunoreactivities were detected only in taste buds. A few GAT3-immunoreactive cells were found in a cross-section of each taste bud but most GAT3-immunoreactive cells were localized in the margin of the taste bud. GAT3 was predominantly concentrated in the distal portion of the GAT3-immunoreactive cells. In contrast, GABA-immunoreactive cells were seen more frequently within each taste bud and the immunoreactivity was distributed throughout the perikarya of the cells. These results suggest that the GABA-uptake system is present in the taste buds and the GABAergic neurotransmission involved in the sensation of taste is terminated by the uptake of GABA into certain taste cells via GAT3.

Chemical synaptic transmission in the cochlea

The last two decades have witnessed major progress in the understanding of cochlear mechanical functioning, and in the emergence of cochlear neurochemistry and neuropharmacology. Recent models describe active processes within the cochlea that amplify and sharpen the mechanical response to sound. Although it is widely accepted that outer hair cells (OHCs) contribute to these processes, the nature of the medial efferent influence on cochlear mechanics needs further clarification. Acetylcholine (ACh) is the major transmitter released onto OHCs during the stimulation of these efferents. The inhibitory influence of this system is mediated by post- and presynaptic nicontinic and muscarinic receptors and the role of other neuroactive substances [gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) or nitric oxide (NO)] remains to be determined. The inner hair cells (IHCs) that transduce the mechanical displacements into neural activity, release glutamate on receptor-activated channels of AMPA, kainate, and NMDA types. This synapse is in turn controlled and/or regulated by the lateral efferents containing a cocktail of neuroactive substances (ACh, GABA, dopamine, enkephalins, dynorphin, CGRP). This glutamatergic nature of the IHCs is responsible for the acute destruction of the nerve endings and subsequently for neuronal death, damage usually described in various cochlear diseases (noise-induced hearing losses, neural presbycusis and certain forms of sudden deafness or peripheral tinnitus). These pathologies also include a regrowth of new dendritic processes by surviving neurons up to IHCs. Understanding the subtle molecular mechanisms which underly the control of neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity and neuronal death in cochlear function and disease is a very important issue for the development of future therapies.

Indirect evidence for the presence and physiological role of endogenous extracellular ATP in the semicircular canal

Previous studies have shown that low concentrations of exogenous ATP, added to the perilymphatic fluid, could modify the bioelectrical activity of the isolated semicircular canal of the frog (Rana pipiens). To test the hypothesis that ATP is endogenously present and active in the perilymphatic fluid, the influence of two ATP-purinoceptor antagonists, Reactive Blue 2 and suramin, and of the enzyme, nucleotide pyrophosphatase, were examined. When applied by perilymphatic bath substitution, the three compounds reduced, in a dose-dependent manner, the firing of the afferent fibers monitored in the absence of mechanically-applied stimulation. The response of the afferent fibers, recorded when the sensory cells were mechanically inhibited, was also reduced. No modification of the response of the excitatory phase of the mechanical stimulus was observed in the presence of the two antagonists. In contrast, the signal was significantly reduced by the enzyme. None of the three compounds exhibited an influence on the transepithelial potential, or its variation in response to mechanical stimulation. The ATP-induced modification of the firing rate of the afferent fibers, monitored in the absence of mechanical stimulation, was reduced in the presence of the three drugs. No influence of Reactive Blue 2 and suramin was observed on the increase of the spontaneous firing induced by carbachol. In contrast, the effect of carbachol was decreased by nucleotide pyrophosphatase. The excitatory influence of glutamate on the spontaneous firing was not modified by Reactive Blue 2, while it was slightly increased by suramin and nucleotide pyrophosphatase.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Glutamate and carnosine in the vestibular system of the frog

We demonstrate that both glutamate-like and carnosine-like immunoreactivities are present in hair cells and in fibers of the vestibular organ of the frog inner ear. Comparison of the two immunoreactivity patterns indicates that glutamate and carnosine might be colocalized in some hair cells. The presence of glutamate-like immunoreactivity in hair cells is consistent with biochemical and pharmacological data indicating glutamate as the excitatory neurotransmitter in these sensory receptors. There is also evidence that carnosine might have a neuromodulatory function.

Activation of glutamate receptors in response to membrane depolarization of hair cells isolated from chick cochlea

1. Experiments were performed to identify the neurotransmitter released from hair cells of chick cochlea. An isolated hair cell was closely apposed to a cultured granule cell of the rat cerebellum, and both cells were whole-cell voltage clamped by utilizing a nystatin perforated patch technique. 2. Depolarization of hair cells to potentials more positive than -20 mV induced currents in the granule cell in a 10 mM Ca2+ extracellular medium. Amplitudes of induced currents were dependent on the membrane potential of granule cells and showed an outward-going rectification. The induced current in granule cells was reversibly suppressed by a local application of 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), which indicates that the current was generated through the activation of an NMDA subtype of the glutamate receptor expressed on the granule cell. 3. The current amplitude of the granule cell was dependent on the size of hair cell depolarization. The size of current induced in a granule cell held at +55 mV was progressively increased with hair cell depolarization from -20 to +10 mV. At more positive potentials, the current amplitude was decreased. This voltage dependence was similar to but did not exactly match that of Ca2+ currents in the hair cell. The granule cell current appeared at more positive membrane potentials than the Ca2+ current in hair cells. 4. When intracellular Ca2+ concentration was increased by UV irradiation of the hair cell loaded with a caged Ca2+ compound, nitr-5, the closely apposed granule cell generated an outward current when voltage clamped at +55 mV. 5. These observations (paragraphs 2-4) imply that the most likely neurotransmitter released from the hair cell at its synapse with the afferent nerve terminal is glutamate.

Effects of adenosine 5'-triphosphate and related agonists on cochlear function

Several lines of evidence implicate a neurotransmitter/modulator role for ATP in the cochlea. Most of the work supporting such a notion has been accomplished using in vitro preparations of sensory hair cells or other cochlear tissues. Little is known regarding the functional consequences of ATP receptor activation in vivo. In the present experiments, we tested ATP and related agonist analogs for their effects on sound-evoked responses of the cochlea (cochlear microphonic, CM; summating potential, SP; distortion product otoacoustic emissions, DPOAE) and auditory nerve (compound action potential, CAP) in vivo and on outer hair cell (OHC) currents and cell length in vitro. In vivo, local application of these compounds was associated with concentration- and intensity-dependent response alterations. The slowly-hydrolyzable P2y agonist, ATP-gamma-S, was clearly of greatest in vivo potency: At low to moderate stimulus intensities, micromolar concentrations of this drug reduced all responses, in particular CAP and DPOAEs, which fell to the level of the noise floor. At high intensities, response suppression was smaller and SP was increased. In vivo effects of ATP, ATP-alpha-S and 2-Me-S-ATP were qualitatively similar to, but smaller in magnitude and requiring higher concentrations than those observed for ATP-gamma-S. Adenosine was without significant effect on responses of the cochlea and auditory nerve. In vitro, effects of ATP-gamma-S and ATP were similar: both induced inward currents in OHCs held at -60 mV without producing observable (> 0.3 micron) changes in OHC length. Results suggest that endogenous ATP influences cochlear function through receptors at several sites in the cochlea. Results suggest further that these response alterations are mediated, at least in part, by receptors of the P2y subtype.

GABAB-mediated modulation of ionic conductances in type I hair cells isolated from guinea-pig semicircular canals

Mammalian vestibular type I hair cells (VIHCs) are innervated by an afferent synaptic calyx which contains vesicles and is immunoreactive for GABA. We describe here the effects of GABA on electrophysiological properties and on cytosolic free-calcium levels ([Ca2+]i) of VIHCs isolated from guinea-pig ampullae. Whole-cell tight-seal macroscopic currents recorded from VIHCs showed that 100 microM GABA induced a decrease in the outward currents elicited by depolarizing membrane potentials. These are known to comprise potassium calcium-dependent currents. This effect was mimicked by baclofen, a GABAB agonist, and was not affected by picrotoxin, a GABAA antagonist. GABA also induced an increase in the inward current elicited at hyperpolarized membrane potentials in 50% of the tested cells. Single channel recording in cell-attached patches revealed that externally applied GABA produced a decrease and an increase in the open probability of 170 pS and 45 pS and of 15 pS channels, respectively. In imaging experiments using the dye Fura-2 to measure [Ca2+]i, the only reversible modulation of [Ca2+]i observed in response to GABA application was a decrease. These results demonstrate a modulation of calcium and potassium conductances by GABA, via GABAB receptors, in guinea-pig VIHCs.

Otoacoustic emissions and the categorization of cochlear and retro-cochlear lesions

There are only some cochlear and retro-cochlear lesions that could be detected using a simple measurement of otoacoustic emissions. A simple description of the various lesions that lead to hearing loss and disruption of emissions is presented, a basis for categorizing cochlear and retro-cochlear lesions is discussed, and the types of clinical symptoms likely to be associated with each type of lesion are outlined.

Immunocytochemistry of gamma-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, serotonin, and histamine in Necturus taste buds

Little information is currently available about which neurotransmitters are involved in signal processing in the peripheral sensory organs of taste, taste buds. Synaptic contacts between taste cells and sensory axons have long been known to exist, but what substances are active at these synapses is not known. Our objective in this study was to test for the presence of the neurotransmitter candidates, GABA, glutamate, serotonin, and histamine in taste buds of Necturus maculosus. Light microscopic immunocytochemical techniques were used to investigate the location of these substances in taste buds and surrounding epithelium. GABA and glutamate were detected in nerve fibers that innervate the taste buds, and, to a substantially lesser extent, in fine, varicose axons that penetrated the surrounding nontaste epithelium. Serotonin immunostaining was strong in basal cells in frog taste discs but was only faintly detected in Necturus taste buds. Histamine was not detected at all in taste buds. We conclude that amino acid neurotransmission may be involved in taste mechanisms and that monoamines may also play a role in chemosensory transduction in the taste bud. On the basis of our inability to detect histamine with immunocytochemical techniques, we conclude that this substance is unlikely to be a major neurotransmitter in Necturus taste buds.

Identification and localization of a kainate binding protein in the frog inner ear by electron microscopy immunocytochemistry

A kainate binding protein (KBP) was studied in Rana pipiens inner ear using monoclonal and polyclonal antibodies against affinity purified KBP from frog brain. The KBP identified and analyzed in inner ear tissue homogenates, with one- and two-dimensional immunoblots, was similar to the affinity purified KBP and to the antibody-identified frog brain KBP. As brain KBP, inner ear KBP had 5 main components in the molecular weight dimension, centered at Mr = 48,000; however, inner ear KBP had a greater abundance of the higher molecular weight components. Light and electron microscopy observations showed KBP immunostaining at two locations: (1) in the dendrites of the eight nerve afferent fibers contacting sensory hair cells, with the postsynaptic density being more intensely stained; and (2) on the cytoplasmic membrane of fibroblasts present in the inner ear connective tissue which displayed intense immunostaining. The presence of kainate (KA) binding sites in the inner ear was assessed using in vitro receptor autoradiography. [3H]KA binding sites were found in connective tissue areas confirming the immunocytochemistry results. The postsynaptic localization of the KBP in afferent endings, strongly supports it as being a component of the KA receptor complex. However, its presence on fibroblasts situated in the inner ear connective tissue makes its function hypothetical. The dual presence of the KBP on non-neuronal cells as well as at postsynaptic membrane sites suggests the existence of a family of proteins involved in KA binding and KA receptors with a complex organization.

Neurotransmitter release from hair cells and its blockade by glutamate-receptor antagonists

To assess the mechanism by which glutamate-receptor antagonists block afferent discharge at the hair cell synapse, we examined the effects of these and other agents on sound-evoked excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) and on spontaneous miniature post-synaptic potentials (MEPSPs) in auditory-nerve fibers of the goldfish (Carassius auratus) saccule. A quantal analysis of synaptic transmission under conditions in which the probability of transmitter release was reduced by cobalt, an agent that can block transmitter release, supports Furukawa's (Jpn. J. Physiol. 36, 1059-1077, 1986) conclusion that transmitter release at this synapse is quantal. Cobalt reduced the rate of occurrence of spontaneous MEPSPS without reducing their amplitude. The glutamate-receptor antagonists, gamma-D-glutamyl glycine (DGG) and 5-aminophosphonovaleric acid (APV) both reduced the amplitude of sound-evoked EPSPs much more than that of the spontaneous MEPSPs. The glutamate-receptor agonists, L-glutamate, kainate, and quisqualate, produced a depolarization of the afferent nerve fiber, a decrease in the amplitude of the EPSP and an increased tendency for an EPSP to generate an action potential.

N-acetylhistidine, glutamate, and beta-alanine are concentrated in a receptor cell layer of the trout inner ear

An epithelial sheet isolated from the trout saccular macula, highly enriched in acousticolateralis receptor cells (hair cells), has been analyzed for primary amine-containing compounds. The hair cell preparation, compared to the saccular nerve, was found to contain elevated levels of the presumptive receptoneural transmitter, glutamate, as well as beta-alanine, and components eluting in the positions of the standards phosphoserine and phosphoethanolamine on cation-exchange HPLC. Saccular nerve contained a different spectrum of primary amines and was elevated specifically in carnosine/homocarnosine. Acid hydrolysis of perchlorate extracts of both hair cell and nerve fractions yielded large amounts of histidine. For the saccular nerve fraction, production of histidine by acid hydrolysis was matched by production of beta-alanine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and disappearance of carnosine/homocarnosine. The dipeptides carnosine and homocarnosine have been chromatographically resolved by expanded HPLC and found to be present in saccular nerve in a ratio of approximately 10:1, respectively. Production of histidine in the hair cell extract was not coupled with production of beta-alanine and GABA. The hair cell histidine-containing unknown, present in millimolar concentration, has been identified as N-acetylhistidine by the hydrolysis and rechromatography of fractions from cation-exchange HPLC. The large and specific presence of N-acetylhistidine in the hair cell preparation, together with electrophysiological evidence for its facilitatory action on afferent fibers in the frog semicircular canal, is suggestive of a role for this molecule as well as glutamate in acousticolateralis receptoneural transmission.

Purification of a low-molecular-weight excitatory substance from the inner ears of goldfish

The neurotransmitter released by the hair cell has not been identified; little is known about other neuroactive substances that may be important in hair-cell organ function. To identify neuroactive substances in hair cell tissue, we have examined substances in extracts of the inner ears of goldfish that can excite afferent fibers innervating hair cells. The extracts contain an unidentified low-molecular-weight (LMW) excitatory substance that is a candidate to be the hair-cell neurotransmitter. The LMW excitatory substance has been highly purified by a sequential combination of (1) treatment with cation-exchange resin; (2) gel-permeation chromatography; (3) gradient-elution cation-exchange chromatography; (4) isocratic-elution cation-exchange chromatography; and (5) high-performance anion-exchange chromatography. Based upon its separation behavior in these purification steps, the LMW excitatory substance may be a small, zwitterionic compound with titratable anionic and cationic groups.

Phantom auditory perception (tinnitus): mechanisms of generation and perception

Phantom auditory perception--tinnitus--is a symptom of many pathologies. Although there are a number of theories postulating certain mechanisms of its generation, none have been proven yet. This paper analyses the phenomenon of tinnitus from the point of view of general neurophysiology. Existing theories and their extrapolation are presented, together with some new potential mechanisms of tinnitus generation, encompassing the involvement of calcium and calcium channels in cochlear function, with implications for malfunction and aging of the auditory and vestibular systems. It is hypothesized that most tinnitus results from the perception of abnormal activity, defined as activity which cannot be induced by any combination of external sounds. Moreover, it is hypothesized that signal recognition and classification circuits, working on holographic or neuronal network-like representation, are involved in the perception of tinnitus and are subject to plastic modification. Furthermore, it is proposed that all levels of the nervous system, to varying degrees, are involved in tinnitus manifestation. These concepts are used to unravel the inexplicable, unique features of tinnitus and its masking. Some clinical implications of these theories are suggested.

Potassium induced release of GABA and other substances from the guinea pig cochlea

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has been proposed as a neurotransmitter of a subset of efferent nerve fibers in the mammalian cochlea. We tested this hypothesis by examining if GABA was released by high concentrations of K+ from the guinea pig cochlea. Artificial perilymph solutions containing either normal K+ (5 mM) or high K+ (50 mM) were perfused through the perilymphatic compartment of the guinea pig cochlea while collecting the effluent. Nineteen primary amines including GABA were quantified in the effluent by HPLC. This was carried out in normal animals and in animals pretreated with ethacrynic acid and kanamycin to destroy the organ of Corti. Significantly greater levels of GABA, taurine, glutamate, aspartate, glycine and three unidentified substances appeared in effluent collected during exposure of the cochlea to solutions containing higher K+ than normal K+. Compared to normal animals, destruction of the organ of Corti significantly decreased the K(+)-induced release of GABA, taurine, glutamate, aspartate, glycine and one of the unidentified substances; although significant release of glutamate and taurine still occurred in the destroyed ears. The release of GABA is consistent with it being a neurotransmitter in the cochlea. In addition the results: confirm the release of glutamate and taurine from the organ of Corti; suggest that additional substances may be released; and demonstrate the release of glutamate and taurine from tissue other than the organ of Corti.

Synaptic potentials in afferent fibers innervating hair cells of the lateral line organ in Xenopus laevis

Spontaneous synaptic activity in afferent fibers innervating hair cells of the lateral line organ was monitored with micropipettes at visually identified locations near the peripheral terminations of the fibers. Spontaneous action potentials as well as spontaneous excitatory post-synaptic potentials (EPSPs) were observed. Some action potentials were preceded by EPSPs. Most EPSPs did not reach threshold to generate action potentials. The frequency of occurrence of spontaneous EPSPs was related to the number of neuromasts innervated by a fiber. Single EPSPs were most readily observed in fibres innervating only a few neuromasts. Perfusion of the synapse with solutions containing cobalt reversibly diminished discharge rate by reducing the occurrence of EPSPs. Manganese produced similar effects on discharge rate. The blockage of spontaneous EPSPs by cobalt, an agent that can block voltage-dependent transmitter release, supports the hypothesis that spontaneous discharge in afferent fibers of the lateral line organ is due to voltage-dependent release of transmitter from the hair cells.

A microiontophoretic study of the role of excitatory amino acids at the afferent synapses of mammalian inner hair cells

The results presented indicate that L-glutamate is involved in mediating excitatory afferent neuro-transmission in the mammalian cochlea. Glutamate applied directly into the subsynaptic inner hair cell region of the adult guinea pig with the aid of microiontophoretic techniques evoked neuronal firing. By using competitive antagonists for glutamate receptors, a further study was carried out in order to identify possible receptor types. Such included N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), kainate and quisqualate receptors, which are defined by selective agonist action. The glutamate-induced cochlear firing rate was antagonized by D-2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoate (AP-7), suggesting that the receptor involved is of the NMDA type. Further studies with glutamic acid diethylester (GDEE) showed that glutamate-induced activity could also be blocked by this substance. Since GDEE depresses responses to quisqualate, non-NMDA receptors also have to be taken into consideration.

Argiotoxin-636 blocks effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate on lateral line of Xenopus laevis at concentrations which do not alter spontaneous or evoked neural activity

Activity of primary afferent neurons in acousticolateralis organs can be modulated by excitatory amino acids (EAA) and their antagonists, and EAA are among the better candidates for the transmitter(s) between hair cells and afferent neurons. Argiotoxin-636 (ATX) is a spider venom toxin that is a selective antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of excitatory amino acid receptors in vertebrates. In the present study, the effects of NMDA alone and in combination with ATX on resting firing rate (spontaneous activity) and mechanically stimulated activity of lateral line afferent neurons of post-metamorphic Xenopus laevis were compared. Perfusion of NMDA (100 or 200 microM) typically produced a biphasic effect on spontaneous activity consisting of a transient increase followed by a decrease in firing rate. Mechanical stimulation applied after the initial response to NMDA produced an increase in firing activity that was not significantly different from the increase in firing activity evoked in the absence of NMDA. ATX at 1-2 microM did not alter either spontaneous or evoked activity, but blocked in a reversible manner both the excitatory and inhibitory actions of NMDA on spontaneous activity. These results suggest the presence of an NMDA receptor in the lateral line but do not support the hypothesis that the generation of action potentials by the afferent transmitter is solely dependent on activation of postsynaptic NMDA receptor-ion channels.